Ofsted’s new leader Sir Michael Wilshaw has announced all schools will face âno-notice inspectionsâ from this autumn.

Sir Michael Wilshaw (Picture: Robin Bell)

The move was a âlogicalâ progression because parents had to keep faith in inspections, Sir Michael Wilshaw said.

It follows fresh concerns raised this week that some schools have been deceiving Ofsted by hiding weak teachers and sending unruly pupils home the day inspectors visited.

Some teachers allege it is common in a minority of schools.

Sir Michael, who took up his post as chief inspector last week, said the introduction of new guidelinesÂ provided a âgood opportunityâ to cut the notice period given to schools.

He added: âIt provides an opportunity for inspectors to do whatâs really important â going in and inspecting quality, particularly teaching.â

Until now, schools have been given a few daysâ notice of inspections.

But Sir Michael said yesterday: âWe are introducing no-notice inspections for all schools from this September, not just those that are causing concern.

âFirst of all itâs a logical progression from the situation years ago when there was a yearâs notice, then it was two weeks, and in 2005 it went to two days.

‘The second is we have a new framework, which is really important, thatâs just come in.

But union leaders have âreal doubtsâ the plans would improve inspections.Russell Hobby, of the National Association of Head Teachers, said: âItâs disturbing to see Ofsted change its position in a matter of days and suggests the policy has been created with an eye more to the soundbite than the evidence. Â

âIf a school could conceal evidence of widespread failure in just two days, then the whole concept of inspection is flawed.â